I have a beauty- and fashion-savvy friend who never, ever lets me down when it comes to giving me the best advice possible. When I first whined to her that my brows were thinning, she suggested that I use "Divaderme Brow Extender" (available at the best price at the "Time for Me" Catalog online). This innovative product consists of clay and a profusion of fibers which mimic your own brows more n...read moreaturally than anything I have ever seen! I later complained to her that all of the clear lip glosses I had been using were tacky. She sent me a gift card for an ultra-smooth, non-sticky sheer gloss from Joey Maalouf (sold online from the Maalouf salon in Birmingham, Michigan). I was smitten and carry it with me everywhere. It feels like liquid silk on my lips. And so I phoned her when I wasn't getting my regular wonderful results from "Definicils" and other mascaras I keep as staples. She has spectacular, nearly-transparent blue eyes which she knows how to define perfectly, as people are always taken aback by the beauty of them. She told me to try Givenchy's "Phenomen' Eyes" and said it was the only mascara she used. But my astute diva also warned me that I would have to learn how to work with the mascara before forming any opinions. She explained that the wand was quite unique, basically a handle with a fuzzy ball on top. I've been around the block more than a few times with makeup--I wasn't afraid. It was a disaster! Givenchy suggests that you do not overload the brush with product, but hold it horizontally and gently pull lashes from the outer corner outward. Then, the brush is to be used in a diagonal fashion, catching all fibers at the root and pushing them upward and outward. Was I done? Oh, no, not yet! Again, holding the brush diagonally, I was to move lashes from the inner corner of my eye toward my nose. Finally? With the wand upward and the "ball" downward, tenderly coax upper lashes upward. All that came to mind was a game I played as a child--"Twister." Only "Twister" was more colorful and far more fun! My limbs were almost wrapped around each other as I attempted to follow the instructions, but my lashes were not phenomenal. They weren't even noticeable. This item is not worth the trouble. Givenchy, you can do better than this and you know it. . .

I bought this after I read an article on the best mascaras. I should have known it would be difficult to use because of the wand. The mascara had no effect whatsoever on my lashes. It was nonexistent. If I knew I could return it to Sephora I would have done so but because I didn't know I just ended up giving it to my sister.

I usually love thick, thick, thick lashes. But unless I apply a few different coats and usually two types of mascara, then I don't feel like I have done enough. The eyes are so important to frame, I feel, that they deserve as much or more concentration of makeup than anywhere else on the face. This mascara is not too thickening, but it does give you gorgeous, fan-like lashes. It really does gr...read moreab every single little lash and lengthen it to the longest it can possibly be. I was afraid of the applicator, but this strange applicator was what was needed to have this effect. Whether I use it alone, or with another mascara, this really makes hidden lashes come alive with darkness and length. I did watch the video available online to apply it, which may have led to my success with it, so if you get it and don't like the results, do watch the video online at givenchy and you won't be disappointed.

I understand this is not your regular mainstream mascara! That's right. It takes time to get the hang of using this new wand, and it takes time to get used to it. But once you figure out how it works, and how to manipulate it to get all the different looks and effects, you'll realise its not a big deal and its definitely worth it, like I did. I personally use it on special occasions, mostly evenin...read moregs, for that dramatic special effect look. I play with it on my lashes, strand by strand, lengthening, thickening, moving it in different directions to achieve the look i want. Don't be intimidated, it doesn't take so long, a matter of seconds on each eye.

I have moderately thick and long eyelashes already, but this gives them KA-POW length, and it makes my eyes look bigger. I bought this in the Duty-Free going to Italy because I left my adored Chanel mascara at home and it is great! Certainly doesn't give me added volume but that's okay. Wouldn't recommend if you have fine eyelashes. It can clump but if you wipe off the excess properly before you start it should be fine.

I really loved this mascara, usually I would not spend this much but I had a giftcard and I was dying to try it. It did not disappoint, if I had more money to spend on a cosmetic that I replace so often this would definitely be one of them that I would continue to repurchase. I have to try the drugstore versions of this wand.. its a great concept.

This mascara is AMAZING. No mascara has ever made my eyelashes as long as Phenomen' Eyes have made them. I will admit that---like every other mascara, it will clump if you build it up too much. However, if you wiggle the wand through your lashes you will avoid a lot of the clumpy-ness. So, while this mascara is not 'perfect' it's the first mascara that actually made my eyelashes look a lot longer than they are, and that's what I wanted. You just can't beat the length.